THE Albinism Society of Southern Africa will launch its Albinism Month community awareness, education and understanding activities at Filadelfia Secondary School in Soshanguve, Pretoria, tomorrow.

The launch venue is poignant as Filadelfia Secondary is an educational institution for visually-impaired young people.

Assa president Nomasonto Mazibuko told Sowetan yesterday that she was mindful - but not overly perturbed - that this was arguably the only time in each passing year that there was a public semblance of sentimental regard for people with albinism.

"But that is why we are launching Albinism Month-related activities to take advantage of the national focus, one of which is a drive to emphasise the importance of sunscreen creams and ointments, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses because these items are important to people with albinism since their skins and eyes are sun-sensitive.

"As part of the campaign Assa will send out volunteers to public places, including shopping malls.

"Their task will be to ask fellow South Africans to help us with hats, sunglasses and sunscreen creams and ointments because there are many among people with albinism who cannot afford them," Mazibuko said.

"Sunscreen ointments and creams are very expensive, but, sadly, the government does not yet supply them to people with albinism."

Sowetan is Assa's nation-building partner on the National Schools Essay Competition on Albinism, which seeks to dispel myths, misconceptions and superstitions related to this manageable condition.

Tomorrow's launch starts at 10am.